I participated in an Influencer Activation on behalf of Influence Central for MedImmune. I received product samples to facilitate my review as well as a promotional item to thank me for my participation.
Whether you know about it or not, RSV is a common seasonal virus, contracted by nearly all children by the age of two, and
typically causes mild to moderate cold-like symptoms in healthy, full-term babies. We recently moved to Texas and before coming here I’d never heard of RSV. I’ve given birth to two children in WI and never once was told about the disease or ever heard of families I knew having to deal with it. After living in south Texas for 4 months, I knew 3 women who’s babies had contracted it and were then basically living in the hospital. Needless to say, I was horrified once I found out I was pregnant that my child would get RSV as well so I set out to find as much preventative info I could to help me prepare to keep all my little ones safe.
RSV occurs in epidemics each year, typically from November through March, though it can vary by geography and year-to-year. This explains likely why up north in WI I had never heard of it. RSV is nothing to be take lightly. Just like the flu for seniors, RSV can be deadly for newborns, especially premature babies. The disease is the leading cause of hospitalization for babies during their first year of life in the United States, with approximately 125,000 hospitalizations and up to 200 infant deaths each year. Despite being so common, many parents aren’t aware of RSV; in fact, one-third of mothers have never heard of the virus. I was definitely one of those moms.
Preemies are at a high risk for RSV. Why?
While every baby is at risk of contracting RSV, babies born prematurely are at increased risk for developing severe RSV disease. In fact, preterm infants are twice as likely as full-term infants to be admitted to the hospital for RSV-related symptoms.
What Are the Symptoms of Severe RSV Disease?
Contact your child’s pediatrician immediately if your child exhibits one or more of the following:
• Persistent coughing or wheezing
• Bluish color around the mouth or fingernails
• Rapid, difficult, or gasping breaths
• Fever (especially if it is over 100.4°F [rectal] in infants under 3 months of age)
How Can I Help Protect My Baby From RSV?
RSV is very contagious and can be spread easily through touching, sneezing and coughing. Additionally, the virus can live on the skin and surfaces for hours. Make sure you are washing your hands and your baby’s hands through out the day. If you visit a local store or park, make sure to clean your hands and keep the touching of your baby to a bare minimum by others. There is NO treatment for RSV disease once it’s contracted, so prevention is critical. To help minimize the spread of RSV disease, all parents should:
• Wash their hands and ask others to do the same
• Keep toys, clothes, blanket and sheets clean
• Avoid crowds and other young children during RSV season
• Never let anyone smoke around your baby
• Steer clear of people who are sick or who have recently been sick
The mothers I know who had their babies in the hospital had to have them sleep with breathing machines and humidifiers so their little lungs could catch a break. Not only was it sad to see and hear about, it was scary to see a baby all hooked up and laying there so sick. Luckily they all did get better but some still have breathing issues.
Visit www.RSVprotection.com for more information, including:
• Tips on talking to your pediatrician about your child’s risk factors
• Data about the RSV season in your area
• Real stories of families’ experiences with RSV
Shop with Me Mama (Kim) says
My baby got this when he was really little. Thank heavens he never had to be hospitalized!! So scary!